The America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race, which takes place Saturday in Albuquerque, is affected by the global helium shortage.

Five teams from around the world, including two from Albuquerque, will compete in the rare balloon race, but because of production decisions made by companies and government officials, organizers said they are finding it hard to get helium to fill up the balloons.

"This year, there's no choice. There's a worldwide helium shortage. It's very hard to get, and this year, the Fiesta just couldn’t get helium," said Kim Vesely, of America's Challenge.

For the first time since the race started in 1995, organizers said it will be an all-hydrogen race, which means some pilots who only have helium balloons will have to sit out.

"But it should still be a very competitive and very exciting event," Vesely said.

Organizers said it will cost about $12,000 to fill up one balloon with helium, while hydrogen costs only $1,000 to fill up a balloon.

"It's just like anything else. The technology and circumstances change over time, and this is the transition year for Balloon Fiesta," Vesely said.

Officials said the helium shortage is also affecting other industries and manufacturers, including the medical field.

Meanwhile, some party stores are increasing their price to $1.29 per balloon, while others have stopped selling balloons because of the shortage.